Stud retainer assembly

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is national phase of PCT/US2010/025329 filed Feb. 25, 2010, and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/162,531 entitled “Stud Retainer,” filed Mar. 23, 2009.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a stud retainer assembly, and more particularly to a stud retainer assembly that may be formed of plastic and commonly used in automotive applications.

BACKGROUND

Various components, such as conduits and tubes, may be secured to surfaces, such as walls, ceilings or the like, through fastening assemblies. For example, a cylindrical tube may be secured to a wall through a fastening assembly having a tube channel that snapably secures around a portion of the tube. The fastening assembly itself may be secured to the wall through a stud that is received and retained by a stud retainer, such as shown and described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0099049, filed Sep. 16, 2005, and United States Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0028668, filed May 7, 2008, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Stud retainers have been used with vehicle hoods, cabinet doors, protective covers, and various other applications that are configured for repeated engagement and disengagement between components. In many applications, it is desirable for a fastening assembly to be removed from a structure, such as a vehicle hood. However, in removing the fastening assembly, it is often preferable to maintain the connection between the stud and the stud retainer.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a stud retainer assembly that is configured to allow a stud to be inserted with a relatively low insertion force, while at the same time providing a secure connection between a stud and the retainer assembly when the assembly is removed from another structure.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a stud retainer assembly including a housing defining a stud chamber, and at least one stud-retaining arm disposed within the stud chamber. The stud-retaining arm includes a stud engagement member including first and second teeth configured to engage a stud. The second tooth is recessed with respect to the first tooth. That is, the second tooth is further away from a central axis of the stud retainer assembly when the stud-retaining arm is at rest (or at a fully-engaged position with a stud).

The stud-retaining arm may include a hinge integrally formed with the stud-engagement member. The hinge flexibly connects to a portion of the housing.

The housing may include a base integrally connected to parallel beams that are perpendicular to the base. The parallel beams also integrally connect to a wall that is parallel with the base. The stud chamber may be defined between the parallel beams, the base, and the wall.

The stud-engagement member may include a third tooth disposed between the first and second teeth. The second tooth is also recessed with respect to the third tooth. The additional tooth provides a more robust engagement with the stud.

A stop ledge may be separated from the second tooth by a gap. The stud-retaining arm is configured to flex toward the stop ledge through the gap. The stop ledge prevents the stud-retaining aim from flexing past the stop ledge.

The teeth may be angled slightly different from threads of the stud. When the retaining arm is urged toward the stud, the teeth become flush with contact surfaces of the threads.

The stud engagement member may be integrally connected to a portion of the housing through first and second hinges. At least one of the first and second teeth may be below both of the first and second hinges. A pitch between the first and second teeth may be half the pitch between threads of the stud.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a stud retainer assembly that includes a housing and a first set of opposing stud-retaining arms. The housing may include a base integrally connected to parallel beams that are perpendicular to the base. The parallel beams also integrally connect to a wall that is parallel with the base. A stud chamber is defined between the parallel beams, the base, and the wall.

The first set of opposing stud-retaining arms is disposed within the stud chamber. Each stud-retaining arm includes a stud engagement member comprising first and second teeth configured to engage a stud. The second tooth is recessed with respect to the first tooth so that the first tooth extends further into stud chamber than the second tooth when the stud-retaining arms are at at-rest positions.

The assembly may also include at least a second set of opposing stud-retaining arms proximate the base.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a stud retainer assembly that includes a housing, and at least first, second, third, and fourth stud-retaining arms. The housing may include a base integrally connected to first and second parallel beams that are perpendicular to the base. The first and second parallel beams also integrally connect to a wall that is parallel with the base. A stud chamber is defined between the parallel beams, the base, and the wall.

The first and second stud-retaining arms extend into the stud chamber from the first parallel beam. The third and fourth stud-retaining arms extend into the stud chamber from the second parallel beam. The first and third stud-retaining arms oppose one another, and the second and fourth stud-retaining arms oppose one another.

Each of the stud-retaining arms includes a stud engagement member comprising first, second, and third teeth configured to engage threads of a stud. The third tooth is recessed with respect to the first and second teeth so that the first and second teeth extend further into the stud chamber than the third tooth when the stud-retaining arms are at at-rest positions. Each stud-retaining arm may also include a hinge integrally formed with the stud-engagement member. The hinge flexibly connects to one of the first and second parallel beams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an isometric front view of a connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates an isometric top view of a stud retainer assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates an isometric bottom view of a stud retainer assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a front view of a stud retainer assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a front view of a stud within a stud retainer assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a front view of a retaining arm engaging a stud, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a front view of an upper tooth of a retaining arm engaging a thread of a stud, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a front view of a stud retainer assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a front view of a retaining arm of a stud retainer assembly engaging a stud, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a front view of a retaining arm of a stud retainer assembly engaging a stud, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates a front view of a retaining arm of a stud retainer assembly engaging a stud, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an isometric front view of a connector assembly <b>10</b>, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connector assembly <b>10</b> includes a main body <b>12</b> integrally connected to a stud retainer assembly <b>14</b>. The main body <b>12</b> includes a plurality of tube channels <b>16</b>, each of which may be sized differently to accommodate different sized tubes (not shown). The tube channels <b>16</b> are configured to securely engage around outer circumferential surfaces of tubes. Optionally, instead of tube channels, the connector assembly <b>10</b> may include clamps, grooves, latches, clasps, barbs, or the like configured to securely retain various other components, such as rails, beams, or the like. In general, the connector assembly <b>10</b> may be configured to secure any component(s) to another structure, such as a vehicle frame. The main body <b>10</b> may alternatively be formed and configured similar to those shown and described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0028668.

The main body <b>12</b> is secured to a structure, such as a vehicle frame, hood, or the like, through the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b> securely engaging a stud (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). As explained in detail below, the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b> is configured to receive a stud through a relatively low insertion force, and retain the stud (that is, prevent the stud from being pulled out) with a retaining force that is greater than the insertion force.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref> illustrate isometric top and bottom views, respectively, of the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a front view of the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-4</figref>, the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b> is shown separate and distinct from the connector assembly <b>10</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> for clarity. However, the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b> may be used with any connector that is secured to a structure through a stud.

The stud retainer assembly <b>14</b> includes a planar base <b>18</b> integrally connected to upstanding beams <b>20</b> that are in turn integrally connected to an upper planar wall <b>22</b>. The wall <b>22</b> may integrally connect to a portion of the main body <b>12</b> of the connector assembly <b>10</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Optionally, the wall <b>22</b> may be separate and distinct from the main body <b>12</b>, in which case, the wall <b>22</b> and/or other portions of the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b> may be securely fastened to the main body <b>12</b> through various types of fastening methods.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-4</figref>, the beams <b>20</b> are perpendicular to the base <b>18</b> and the wall <b>22</b>. Bracing struts <b>24</b> may also be integrally formed between the base <b>18</b> and the wall <b>22</b> connecting to outer surfaces of the beams <b>20</b> at right angles. As such, the struts <b>24</b> may form an I-configuration with the base <b>18</b> and the wall <b>22</b>.

A stud-retaining chamber <b>26</b> is defined between the beams <b>20</b>, the base <b>18</b>, and the wall <b>22</b>. A channel <b>28</b> is formed through the base <b>18</b> that allows a stud to pass into the stud-retaining chamber <b>26</b>.

Support straps <b>30</b> may extend from outer edges of the base <b>18</b> mid-way between the beams <b>20</b> to outer edges of the wall <b>22</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, in particular, the support straps <b>30</b> do not extend into a cylindrical envelope <b>31</b> (shown best in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) defined by the channel <b>28</b>. Instead, the straps <b>30</b> are located on outer edges of the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b> and provide additional bracing support between the base <b>18</b> and the wall <b>22</b>.

Retaining arms <b>32</b> extend from interior surfaces of the beams <b>20</b> into the chamber <b>26</b>. Each retaining arm <b>32</b> includes a hinge <b>33</b> integrally connected to a stud engagement member <b>34</b>. Each hinge <b>33</b> integrally extends from interior surfaces of a beam <b>20</b>. The hinges <b>33</b> are flexible and allow the stud engagement members <b>34</b> to pivot about the hinges <b>33</b> with respect to the beams <b>20</b>. The hinges <b>33</b> may be at a 20° angle with respect to the plane of the base <b>18</b>. It has been found that this angle reduces stress on the hinges <b>33</b> and allows the retaining arms <b>32</b> to upwardly deflect easily and smoothly. Nevertheless, the angle may be adjusted to accommodate varying desired retention forces.

The stud engagement members <b>34</b> extend into the cylindrical envelope <b>31</b>. The stud engagement members <b>34</b> are configured to engage outer portions of a stud with the chamber <b>26</b>, as described infra.

Each stud engagement member <b>34</b> has an upper tooth <b>36</b>, a middle tooth <b>38</b>, and a lower tooth <b>40</b>. The upper and middle teeth <b>36</b> and <b>38</b> extend into the envelope <b>31</b> to a greater degree than the lower tooth <b>40</b>. That is, the lower teeth <b>40</b> are recessed toward the beams <b>20</b>, as compared to the upper and middle teeth <b>36</b> and <b>38</b>. While each stud engagement member <b>34</b> is shown having three teeth <b>34</b>, <b>36</b>, and <b>38</b>, more or less teeth may be used. However, each stud engagement member <b>34</b> includes an elevated tooth that is above another tooth, which is recessed toward a beam <b>20</b> to which it connects through a hinge <b>33</b>. For example, each stud engagement member <b>34</b> may include an upper tooth <b>36</b> and the lower tooth <b>40</b>, but not necessarily the middle tooth <b>38</b>. However, the addition of the middle tooth <b>38</b> provides a stronger and more robust engagement with respect to a stud.

Fixed stop ledges <b>42</b> extend from interior surfaces of the beams <b>20</b> underneath the upper stud engagement members <b>34</b>. The stop ledges <b>42</b> provide a barrier past which the upper stud engagement members <b>34</b> cannot pass. That is, if the hinges <b>33</b> flex downwardly toward the stop ledges <b>42</b>, the upper stud engagement members <b>34</b> are stopped from further downward movement.

Similar downward movement of the lower stud engagement members <b>34</b> is blocked by the base <b>18</b> and/or an upstanding circular collar <b>44</b> extending from the base and defining the envelope <b>31</b>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, in particular, opposing retaining arms <b>32</b> are offset with respect to one another in order to accommodate a particular threading of a stud. Alternatively, the opposing retaining arms may be aligned in a mirror-image configuration. In general, the opposing retaining arms may be located at the same or different heights, depending on a desired engagement with a particular stud threading.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a front view of a stud <b>45</b> within a stud retainer assembly <b>14</b>, according to an embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a front view of a retaining arm <b>32</b> engaging a stud <b>45</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref>, the stud <b>45</b> includes threads <b>46</b>. In order to insert the stud <b>45</b> into the chamber <b>26</b>, the stud <b>45</b> may be threadably urged (or otherwise urged) into the channel <b>28</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, for example) defined by the collar <b>44</b>. As the stud <b>45</b> is urged into the chamber <b>26</b>, the threads <b>46</b> push into the lower teeth <b>40</b>. As the stud <b>45</b> continues to be urged into the chamber <b>26</b>, the threads <b>45</b> push the lower teeth <b>40</b> toward their respective beams <b>20</b>. The retaining arms <b>32</b> flex back toward their respective beams <b>20</b>, pivoting back about the hinges <b>33</b>. An example of a flexed back retaining arm is shown in dashed lines as <b>32</b>′ (shown in close-up detail in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>).

As a thread <b>46</b> moves upwardly past a lower tooth <b>40</b>, the retaining arm <b>32</b> snaps back toward the stud <b>45</b>, as shown by the solid retaining arms <b>32</b>. However, as the stud <b>45</b> continues to be upwardly urged, the threads <b>46</b> force the retaining arms <b>32</b> to pivot back, as shown, for example, by reference numeral <b>32</b>′. In this position, the middle tooth <b>38</b>′ and the upper tooth <b>36</b>′ do not contact the stud <b>45</b>. Because the middle tooth <b>38</b>′ and the upper tooth <b>36</b>′ do not contact the threads <b>46</b> in this position, they are less susceptible to damage and remain at full strength for a stud-engaging and retaining position.

Further, the recessed nature of the lower tooth <b>40</b> provides less interference with the threads <b>46</b>, as compared to previous stud retainers. Accordingly, the retainer arm <b>32</b>′ does not flex back as much, which, in turn, leads to less stress on the hinge <b>33</b>′.

With increased urging of the stud <b>45</b> into the chamber <b>26</b>, when each thread <b>46</b> moves past the lower teeth <b>40</b>, the retaining arms <b>32</b> snap back toward the stud <b>45</b> such that threads <b>46</b> rest on top of each of the teeth <b>36</b>, <b>38</b>, and <b>40</b>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref>, when fully-engaged, the threads <b>46</b> abut greater portions of the teeth <b>36</b> and <b>38</b>, as compared to the lower tooth <b>40</b>. This is because the lower tooth <b>40</b> is recessed back toward the beam <b>20</b>. Accordingly, the teeth <b>36</b> and <b>38</b> are generally below entire lower portions of the threads <b>46</b>, while the lower tooth <b>40</b> is generally below less than an entire portion of the thread <b>46</b>. For example, the lower tooth <b>40</b> may abut about half a lower portion of a particular thread <b>46</b> in the fully-engaged position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a front view of an upper tooth <b>36</b> of a retaining arm <b>32</b> engaging a thread <b>46</b> of a stud <b>45</b>, according to an embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows the retaining arm <b>32</b> in the fully-engaged position in which the thread <b>46</b> rests on top of the upper tooth <b>36</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the upper tooth <b>36</b> integrally connects to a rounded head <b>48</b>, which prevents the retaining arm <b>32</b> from snagging on the threads <b>46</b>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, in the lodged position, a distal point <b>50</b> of the tooth <b>36</b> is wedged into the shaft <b>52</b> of the stud <b>45</b> just below the base of the thread <b>46</b>, resulting in a small gap between the base of the thread <b>46</b> and the point <b>50</b>. Accordingly, a distal tip <b>54</b> of the thread <b>46</b> is forced into the tooth <b>36</b> proximate the rounded head <b>48</b> at point B. At point B, the tip <b>54</b> is normal to the surface of the tooth <b>36</b> proximate the head <b>48</b>. It has been found that the wedging relationship of the distal point <b>50</b> of the tooth <b>36</b> forcing the distal tip <b>54</b> into a normal orientation with respect to the tooth <b>36</b> proximate the head <b>48</b> at point B provides maximum retaining strength, as point B generally provides the greatest surface area of material to withstand stress and distributive forces.

The angle between the teeth and the threads differs by a slight amount, such as 1°. The angular difference ensures that during retainer assembly removal from the stud, it forces contact between the stud thread and the tooth to occur at the outer most point of the stud thread (point B). This configuration optimizes force distribution through the threads and the teeth. When the stud is subjected to a removal force, the crest of the stud thread is forced to contact the mating tooth such that as the stud continues to be subjected to the pulling-out force, the entire surface of the tooth engages the stud thread due to the pulling-out force causing the retaining arms <b>32</b> to move toward the center of the stud <b>45</b>. As such, the top side of each tooth abuts flush into the bottom side of a thread as the retaining arms <b>32</b> flex toward the stud <b>45</b>, thereby providing a maximum force that resists removal.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-7</figref>, the stud <b>45</b> is easily inserted into the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b> by simply urging the stud <b>45</b> into the chamber <b>26</b>. The retaining arms <b>32</b> engage the threads <b>46</b> of the stud <b>45</b> as explained above. As the threads <b>46</b> move into the lower teeth <b>40</b> of the stud engagement members <b>34</b>, the recessed nature of the lower teeth <b>40</b> causes the retaining arms <b>32</b> to flex back such that the upper and middle teeth <b>36</b> and <b>38</b> do not contact the threads <b>46</b>. However, as the threads <b>46</b> move past the lower teeth, the retaining arms <b>32</b> snap back toward the stud <b>45</b> and securely wedge into areas between the teeth, thereby securely retaining the stud within the chamber <b>26</b>. The stud <b>45</b> can continue to be threaded into the chamber <b>26</b>, thereby repeating the process until the stud <b>45</b> is fully inserted.

If the stud <b>45</b> is urged in a direction opposite to that of arrow A without a removing threadable rotation, the retainer arms <b>32</b> continue to be engaged with the threads <b>46</b>. That is, each of the teeth <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> , and <b>40</b> continue to be engaged with the threads <b>46</b> at the same time, thereby asserting a relatively large (as compared to the threadable insertion force of the stud into the chamber) resistive force that prevents removal of the stud <b>45</b>. It has been found that nearly 60% of the load is absorbed by the top tooth <b>36</b>, 30% of the load is absorbed by the middle tooth <b>38</b>, and 10% of the load is absorbed by the lower tooth <b>40</b>. Because of this force distribution among the teeth, the bottom tooth <b>40</b> can be backed away from the stud <b>45</b> in order to provide less interference for a lower insertion force.

While the retainer arms <b>32</b> may flex away from the beams <b>20</b>, the stop ledges <b>42</b>, the collar <b>44</b> and/or the base <b>18</b> stop further movement of the retainer arms <b>32</b>. That is, the ledges <b>42</b> are spaced from the upper retaining aims <b>32</b> such that the teeth do not dislodge from secure engagement with the threads <b>46</b> when the retainer arm <b>32</b> abuts into the ledges <b>42</b>.

The lower retaining arms <b>32</b> are similarly spaced from a stopping component, such as the collar <b>44</b> or the base <b>18</b>. Thus, in removing the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b> from a component, the connection between the stud <b>45</b> and the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b> is maintained. That is, in order to remove the stud <b>45</b> from the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b>, the stud <b>45</b> is rotatably manipulated (as opposed to merely pulling the stud out) in order to threadably release from the stud retainer assembly <b>14</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a front view of a stud retainer assembly <b>60</b>, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly <b>60</b> is similar to the assembly <b>14</b>, except that cavities <b>62</b> are formed within the beams <b>64</b>. The hinges <b>33</b> connect to the beams <b>64</b> within the cavities <b>62</b>. Accordingly, the hinges <b>33</b> are longer and more flexible. In other words, the length of the hinges <b>33</b> may be sized depending on a desired amount of flexibility. The cavities <b>62</b> allow for longer hinges <b>33</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a front view of a retaining arm <b>70</b> of a stud retainer assembly <b>72</b> engaging a stud <b>45</b>, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, instead of separate and distinct retaining arms, a single retaining arm <b>70</b> is provided. The retaining arm <b>70</b> integrally and flexibly connects to the beam <b>74</b> through a lower and upper hinge <b>76</b> and <b>78</b>. The lower hinge <b>76</b> is below the teeth of the arm <b>70</b>. The single retaining arm <b>70</b> provides more teeth for increased engagement with the threads <b>46</b> of the stud <b>45</b>. The hinges <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> act in unison to allow the retaining arm <b>70</b> to flex, similar to that described above. The single retaining arm <b>70</b> having multiple hinges provides a more robust retaining capability.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a front view of a retaining arm <b>80</b> of a stud retainer assembly <b>82</b> engaging a stud <b>45</b>, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The retaining arm <b>80</b> is similar to the retaining arm <b>70</b>, except that the lower and upper hinges <b>84</b> and <b>86</b> are shifted up the retaining arm <b>80</b>. Lower teeth of the retaining arm are below the lower hinge <b>84</b>. It has been found that this arrangement provides a more flexible retaining arm <b>80</b> than that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> (with the lower disposition of the hinge <b>76</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> providing a stiffer anchor).

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates a front view of a retaining arm <b>90</b> of a stud retainer assembly <b>92</b> engaging a stud <b>45</b>, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly <b>92</b> may be similar to any of the assemblies discussed above, except that the teeth <b>94</b> are spaced at half the pitch as those described above. As shown, the teeth <b>94</b> are spaced at P_Tapart, the threads <b>46</b> are spaced at P_Sapart, where P_Tmay be ½P_S. Thus, in a fully-engaged position, one tooth <b>94</b> abuts a bottom surface a first thread <b>46</b>, while an adjacent tooth <b>94</b> abuts a top surface of a second thread <b>46</b> that is adjacent the first thread <b>46</b>. Accordingly, the reduced pitch of the teeth may provide a more secure engagement between the retaining arm <b>90</b> and the stud <b>45</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, embodiments of the present invention provide stud retainer assemblies that are configured to allow a stud to be inserted with a relatively low insertion force, while at the same time providing a secure connection between a stud and the retainer assembly when the assembly is removed from another structure. The assemblies prevent studs from being removed from the assemblies unless an operator specifically desires to remove the studs therefrom through a rotating, threadable movement.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may used to describe embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.